What an excellent haul! I love learning about Russian literature on your channel. I think I already commented about how much I love Stoner. It was my favorite book of 2022 and remains one of my favorite books of all time. I love that you noticed glimpses of hope and goodness in that story. Some readers miss the existential beauty Williams offered. I'm going to have to check out Hard Rain Falling!
Thank you! I found it interesting Williams rejected the idea of Stoner's life being a sad one. I can see why for the hope that you and I derived from the story, but I do find Stoner's sorrow and regret to be a bit cautionary for readers on how they should avoid living
@@TheActiveMind1 Yes, I agree! Have you read Tolstoy's The Death of Ivan Ilyich? I'm sorry if that's a dumb question if you have read it, as you are so well-read in Russian literature. Someone pitched that to me as great for fans of Stoner, and it certainly fits the cautionary tale theme. I thought Tolstoy's story was much bleaker and sardonic, but I loved it!
@@Johanna_reads Yes, I have! It's similar in a precautionary way except the character of Ivan and life is drastically different compared to Stoner. I'd agree that it's a bleak and depressing tale
Some very intriguing works and I believe NYRB sending them your way is certainly a testament to the success of the channel. Hard Rain Falling has been on my tbr list since I finished Stoner so i'll be interested in what you make of it.
Off topic, but have you been able to get your hands on a copy of Blinding yet? I'm working my way through Solenoid now and I know I'm going to be seeking out a copy after I finish in a couple weeks.
@@TheActiveMind1 I think i'm going to end up having to do the same unfortunately. Luckily Nostalgia is easily found in print, but I'm more interesting in Blinding. I wish Archipelago would run a re-printing.
Do you think NYRB would send me a copy of Hard Rain Falling? Cos I’ve been looking for one for the past few months and can’t find one anywhere! (I know I can get it online but… I like bookshops! What can I say 🤷♀️😁)
What an excellent haul! I love learning about Russian literature on your channel. I think I already commented about how much I love Stoner. It was my favorite book of 2022 and remains one of my favorite books of all time. I love that you noticed glimpses of hope and goodness in that story. Some readers miss the existential beauty Williams offered. I'm going to have to check out Hard Rain Falling!
Thank you! I found it interesting Williams rejected the idea of Stoner's life being a sad one. I can see why for the hope that you and I derived from the story, but I do find Stoner's sorrow and regret to be a bit cautionary for readers on how they should avoid living
@@TheActiveMind1 Yes, I agree! Have you read Tolstoy's The Death of Ivan Ilyich? I'm sorry if that's a dumb question if you have read it, as you are so well-read in Russian literature. Someone pitched that to me as great for fans of Stoner, and it certainly fits the cautionary tale theme. I thought Tolstoy's story was much bleaker and sardonic, but I loved it!
@@Johanna_reads Yes, I have! It's similar in a precautionary way except the character of Ivan and life is drastically different compared to Stoner. I'd agree that it's a bleak and depressing tale
Some very intriguing works and I believe NYRB sending them your way is certainly a testament to the success of the channel. Hard Rain Falling has been on my tbr list since I finished Stoner so i'll be interested in what you make of it.
Off topic, but have you been able to get your hands on a copy of Blinding yet? I'm working my way through Solenoid now and I know I'm going to be seeking out a copy after I finish in a couple weeks.
I’ll definitely make a discussion/review video once I finish it in the coming months!
I have not seen Blinding in print :( but I will likely get a Kindle soon so I can get a digital copy
@@TheActiveMind1 I think i'm going to end up having to do the same unfortunately. Luckily Nostalgia is easily found in print, but I'm more interesting in Blinding. I wish Archipelago would run a re-printing.
Do you think NYRB would send me a copy of Hard Rain Falling? Cos I’ve been looking for one for the past few months and can’t find one anywhere! (I know I can get it online but… I like bookshops! What can I say 🤷♀️😁)
I don't think Hard Rain Falling is anything like Stoner. However, I think it's much better!
I think what I heard wasn’t that they are similar but the vibes are similar. If you liked one, you’ll like the other kind of thing